Toyota’s redesigned 2012 Camry mid-size sedan was launched today simultaneously in Los Angeles, Detroit, New York City and the Toyota- owned plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, where the Camry is being manufactured.

At first look, the exterior shape is fairly close to the 2011 Camry. The change is more in the details – the headlights reshaped to curve around the front horizontally, integrating with a more subtle and simplified honeycomb grille. The entire front end is beefier and is seated lower, the fog lights tied into the design with chrome detailing. The windows are a bit more squared at the A pillar and C pillar than the previous model, adding to the sharper, boxier appearance.

Toyota designed this generation of Camrys with all new exterior sheet metal, the lightweight steel thus reducing the weight by 150 pounds on the LE and 220 pounds on the hybrid. While significantly lighter, the 2012 Camry is the same size as previous generations, but is roomier with increased visibility.

Not left out of the redesign is the powertrain; the 2.5-liter four- cylinder engine in L, LE, SE and XLE models have been increased by nine to 178 horsepower, incrementally increasing combined mpg by two to 28 (estimated 25 mpg city/35 highway.)

I agree, on visuals alone the Sonata and Malibu have much more personality, and the interior detail of the Malibu surpasses that of even the highest XLE trim level. Sonatas and Malibus are also available as hybrids, and while the Camry is manufactured 80% in the US, that might not be enough for the “Buy American” set in favor of the home-grown Malibu. We’ll see if Toyota’s complete overhaul was enough do entice new car buyers to the Camry.

Toyota improved this car to a level of the current Altima or Fusion but it still lags behind since both cars are significantly cheaper then the Camry.What they did not address is that horrible Electro Magnetic steering.Altima ,Fusion and Accord best Camry in the steering department but the roar of the Accord engine set’s it back.The other player the Legacy with it’s much improve engine and higher mileage has become credible .What I am saying is the Camry did not push the bar high enough and with the new Malibu in the waiting which could easily over take the Camry.Then the Sonata/Optima continuing to improve this could be the year Camry falls or has to discount so much it gets accused of dumping like it’s done in the past.Any way it’s good for the consumer more choice ,lower prices ,better useful transportation .